The Du-Droppers

The Du Droppers were one of the oldest recording vocal groups on the scene of the early fifties, with their ages averaging almost 40. When the group was formed in Harlem in 1952, all four members already had years of singing experience, mostly in the gospel field. The lead singer of the group was J.C. ("Junior" Caleb) Ginyard, born in 1910 in St. Matthews, South Carolina. He had sung with the Royal Harmony Singers in Florida as early as 1936, a group that developed into the Jubalaires in 1941. In 1946 he formed his own group the Dixieaires (chart hit : "So Long", # 9 R&B on Gotham in 1948) and when they disbanded in 1950 he came to New York. The other members were Willie Ray (tenor / baritone), Harvey Ray (tenor / baritone) and Eddie Hashew (bass).